Nexon partners with Dementia Australia to tackle dementia stigma in the workplace

Dementia doesn’t just impact the person living with dementia, but can have a profound impact on families, friends and carers, many of whom are balancing caring responsibilities alongside their work. This is the message from Nexon Asia Pacific (Nexon), which has partnered with Dementia Australia to raise awareness on the importance of workplace conversations about dementia.

“When workplaces make space to talk about dementia, everyone feels more supported and less alone in the role they’re carrying,” said Kimberley Roberts, Executive Director, Awareness and Growth at Dementia Australia. “That makes a real impact.”

Nexon highlighted that, with dementia being Australia’s leading cause of death, more than 2.1 million Australians either live with it or care for someone who does, and yet at work it can go unspoken.

“Stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with or supporting someone with dementia. Research has shown that dementia discrimination can discourage people from seeking health care, contribute to feelings of isolation, reduce connection with friends, family and the community, and negatively affect physical and mental wellbeing,” Nexon said.

“In the workplace, stigma can make it harder for people to speak openly about their experiences or seek support when they need it. By encouraging open and informed conversations about dementia, workplaces can help reduce discrimination, build understanding and ensure people impacted by dementia feel supported rather than isolated.”

Nexon also said that workplaces don’t need to become dementia experts and that facilitating the conversation and recognising that carers in the team may be carrying fatigue, isolation and stress make a big difference, with Dementia Australia having plenty of ready-made resources to share:

• National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500 — free and confidential, 24/7
• BrainTrack App — monitor brain health over time
• Dementia Guide — for families, friends and carers
• Hold the Moment Podcast – real-life experiences of dementia
   

Nexon also said that it is building on its existing service delivery with Dementia Australia, and is now helping to support important services for Australians impacted by dementia. “This commitment goes beyond service delivery, extending to financial support that helps sustain critical services for Australians impacted by dementia and the people who care for them,” Nexon said.

“Many people in workplaces across Australia are impacted by dementia, whether through their own experience, a family member, friend or colleague. Supporting Dementia Australia is one way we can help raise awareness, encourage understanding and contribute to services that make a difference for people impacted by dementia,” said Francesca Calandra, Chief People Officer at Nexon Asia Pacific.

Dementia Action Week runs 21–27 September 2026 and is, Nexon said, “one moment to start the conversation”. Nexon added: “So is today. Let’s talk.”

The National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500, offers free, confidential information and support 24/7. More resources are available at dementia.org.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/sturti